This past Monday the Executive Committee of the Conference met and elected Elder Haskell Williams, as the new Ministerial Secretary/Evangelism Coordinator for the Conference. He replaces Elder John Sweigart who had accepted a call to the Kansas/Nebraska Conference. Elder Williams comes from the Florida Conference where he was the senior pastor of the Apopka SDA Church. He brings a richness of pastoral experience as well as a deep spirituality that will be greatly appreciated as he serves as the pastor to the pastors. Haskell actually grew up in the Carolinas, near Asheville North Carolina, graduating from Mt. Pisgah Academy. He received his BA degree in Theology from Southern Adventist University and his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. His wife, Cindy, is a registered nurse. She too is a Carolinian growing up in Pittsboro, NC and also graduating from Mt. Pisgah Academy. We extend a warm welcome to them both as they prepare to return to the Carolinas.

The nations economic challenges are being felt within the church as well. The tithe increase across the Southern Union, including Carolina, through October was less than 1%. However, we are thankful that here in Carolina God has blessed as expenses have been closely monitored and held in check and we are within our budget. Please pray that God will provide protection for our members as jobs are lost across the country. I know our people remain faithful even in difficult times.

I look forward this Sabbath to being with our folks at the Monroe Spanish church. I know it will be a blessing to be together with them. Have a wonderful Sabbath as well!

Your friend,
Jim